Minnesota hosts Golden State at 3-1, sixth in the West, with Anthony Edwards out with a right knee injury until a projected December 21 return. Edwards was part of every figure the Wolves have posted so far, and that limits what each one can tell us now.
A Defense Worth Trusting
The most reliable figure is the defense. Minnesota has allowed 100.5 points per 100 possessions and scored 117.3, a net of plus-16.8 at a pace of 101.6. That fits a club built around Rudy Gobert, who is collecting 14.3 rebounds a game. It does not prove a ceiling. Four games is a small sample, and the most recent one was a 127-125 loss in Cleveland, more points than a defense-first team should allow. Golden State offers a fair test from the other side: its defensive rating is 121.1, and Kristaps Porzingis, Jimmy Butler III and Moses Moody are all out.
Life After 33.3
Edwards was averaging 33.3 points and shooting 40.0 percent from three. Hoops Rumors reported that he needs knee surgery and could miss two months, and The Athletic reported that the team's president said Edwards' long-term health decided the call. Donte DiVincenzo is also out, with April 2 as his projected return. The scoring now falls to players who have shot well early: Jaden McDaniels at 15.0 points and 42.9 percent from deep, LaMelo Ball at 14.8 points and 6.3 assists, and Terrence Shannon Jr. at 13.0 points and 50.0 percent. Shannon's minutes have climbed to 23.8 a night. A hot start from three is not a scoring plan, though, and none of them has yet carried a load like Edwards'.
Cost and Cushion
The payroll stands at $215.3M, above both the $200.4M tax line and the $209.0M apron threshold, and Edwards' $48.9M is the largest contract. Enrique Freeman signed a two-way contract on October 28. The draft cupboard is tight as well: the 2027 and 2028 firsts are swaps, and the 2029 and 2030 firsts carry protections. In the standings, Minnesota is 1.5 games clear of 11th, and its current pace projects to 62-20. Neither number means much with 78 games left and Edwards out until December. The next stretch brings the Clippers, Spurs, Bucks and Rockets.
When will Anthony Edwards return for the Timberwolves?
He is listed out with a right knee injury, and December 21 is the projected return date. Hoops Rumors reported that he needs surgery and could miss two months.
How good is the Timberwolves' defense this season?
Through a 3-1 start, Minnesota has allowed 100.5 points per 100 possessions, with a net rating of plus-16.8. That is a strong start over a small sample, and Edwards played in all of those games.
